*Feature*
By George Ozalla
All is set to honor The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, as a Lifetime Humanitarian Hero on Institutional Reform at the 2025 Humanitarian Service Diamond Awards tomorrow. This recognition spotlights his outstanding contributions to humanitarian causes, particularly in the areas of institutional reform and community development.
Under Adeniyi’s leadership, the Nigeria Customs Service has implemented several initiatives that have positively impacted the lives of Nigerians. He has launched a plan to establish skill acquisition centers in border towns, starting with Seme, to provide young adults and elderly people with legitimate sources of income and reduce unemployment and crime rates. “What we are trying to do is to raise a modern Customs Service through partnering with stakeholders to achieve our goals because we value partnership,” Adeniyi emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving the service’s objectives.
The Nigeria Customs Service has also partnered with Abdulsamad Rabiu Initiative Africa (ASR Africa) to enhance humanitarian efforts across Africa, demonstrating Adeniyi’s commitment to collaboration and community development. Adeniyi has put training and capacity building on the front burner for customs officers, improving operational efficiency and professional standards within the service.
Adeniyi’s humanitarian efforts have not gone unnoticed. He has been nominated for the 2025 Distinguished Public Service Award by the Nigerian Economic Society (NES) for his contributions to modernizing customs operations, increasing revenue collection, and introducing innovative trade facilitation initiatives. Dr. Raymond Edoh, Director of UN-Habitat, praises Adeniyi, saying he is “a competent Customs officer who knows the terrain and masters the job”.
According to Ikechukwu Norbert, founder of HSD Awards, “The HSD Awards serves as a noble platform for recognizing and celebrating the efforts of those who dedicate their lives to making a difference, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps and make a positive impact in their communities.”
Bashir Adewale Adeniyi is a seasoned public servant and the current Comptroller General of Customs. He has brought a wealth of experience and expertise to the Nigeria Customs Service, driving reforms and initiatives that have improved the service’s efficiency and effectiveness. Adeniyi’s leadership style is characterized by a commitment to transparency, accountability, and community development. His dedication to serving humanity and his commitment to making a positive impact in Nigeria have earned him this prestigious recognition.
